More Than Just Dog Training-What I Want You To Know About Working With Me
Trying to deal with our pets' behavior issues can bring up a lot of negative emotions. I know for my partner and I, when we were having our inter-household conflict we were trying to deal with the constant management of the dogs, both of us working full time jobs, along with other things life throws at us, it was a really overwhelming time. We were stressed, frustrated, and even sad at times.
Asking for help can be one of the biggest hurdles to get over. It can be embarrassing to ask for help with your dogs’ behavior, and the worry of being judged for not doing “enough.” Plus once you do find someone that you’ve connected with then you become vulnerable to learning how to do the training, so more emotions start coming up.
Creating Connection From Day One
I remember sitting down with a new family for their initial consultation months after their Discovery Call about their dog’s reactivity. They had told me that they were worried I wasn’t going to be the trainer working with them once they finally booked, knowing we had made a really great connection in that first call.
What they didn’t know at the time, was that when you talk to me during that first call, or receive an email response…I’m the only one to do it! There are no other trainers on my team, or any other department for that matter. I’m a one woman show.
Not only that-here are six other things you’ll learn when you decide to work with me besides connecting with me from the very beginning.
What It’s Like To Work With Me
No judgement…ever.
We are all just doing the best we can in this crazy world. I never want my clients to feel like they have to avoid telling me something they’ve done, or feel guilty that they didn’t practice “enough”-because what is enough anyways. If we focus too much on what other people think about us or our dog's behavior, we miss out on all those small things in our day that make us smile.
And trust me I allow my goats on our bed, so I really don’t care that you didn’t have a chance to tidy up before I arrived.
Sundae the goat joins her best friend Sully on the bed.
No apologies for dog messes
If you’re used to apologizing for the dog hair when your dog is greeting a guest, or for the shredded cardboard and toys that are all over the floor, just know with me you don’t have to. I mean in reality if you don’t think I’m coming over already covered in my own dog’s hair then let me tell you something. I am.
And toys all over, cardboard shredded up like confetti, and treat containers around the house tells me that your dog is having THE BEST TIME. I actually wish I saw more of this, because then I’d truly feel at home.
You can also skip feeling bad about me stepping in your dog’s poop when we’re outside, and maybe just point me to the nearest hose.
Empty boxes end up here for easy access to shreddables.
I will be honest with you, and hope you’ll be honest with me
Us working together can only be successful if both sides are open to telling each other the truth. It’s okay to tell me you didn’t have time to work on the homework, or that you tried to skip ahead in the plan and found out your dog wasn’t ready for that step. Just like I should be honest about my approach and the things I do know and don’t know. We have to work like a team so we can meet your goals.
I am always learning
As I was starting to write this blog I looked at the calendar and realized this month, November 2025 is exactly 14 years since I entered the animal training world. Yet there is so much I still don’t know! I’m very lucky I have had and continue to have the opportunities to expand on my knowledge and learn from my mentors and my peers. I also said to a client recently who rehired me for another family dog that I’m not the same trainer I was when they hired me two years ago.
I’m a better one.
I know more now, and have more tools in my training toolbox. I’m also not afraid to say “I don’t know but I’ll get back to you.” I think that also fits in to me being honest…I’m not just gonna blow smoke up your butt.
Mistakes happen, and sometimes it’s okay to laugh about it.
Now I don’t mean when mistakes lead to a safety issue. That’s never a laughing manner and I do take that seriously. But when your dog does something we weren’t expecting, or you had a minor management fail and your goat ends up on your counter looking for snacks-heck yeah I’m gonna try to stop laughing long enough to get a good picture.
Mistakes are how we learn, and if we can also laugh about them in the process it helps us remember how to do better next time.
Hot Fudge broke into the kitchen and tried searching the cupboards for snacks
I’m on your dogs team for life
When we meet for our initial consultation, you and your dog become part of my life in more than just a professional way. You might even say your dog lives rent free in my head. I will think about them between sessions. I will think about them and how to help you while I lay in bed at night.
I actually do want you to reach out months later to tell me how good they’re doing or where you might be having trouble. If you need my emotional support at a vet visit-I got you. If you move away- we can still work on your goals. I don’t see myself as just your trainer, if you let me I’ll be you and your dog's friend.
If You’re Still Reading…
It’s okay to have big feelings about your dogs’ big feelings. If you’re looking for someone who gets it, and gets you…well you’ve made it this far so we’re probably a great fit!
When you’re ready to ask for help, hop over that hurdle, I’ll be waiting for you.
Hi! I’m Beccy and I’m a professional dog trainer with almost 15 years of animal training experience. I use positive reinforcement and fear-free methods to help dogs and their humans build skills, confidence, and lasting behavior change. My goal is to create a stress free life for you and your dog. I offer in-home training in Maryville, TN and surrounding cities throughout Blount, Sevier, Knox, and Loudon Counties. Online training is available for clients outside of East TN.
